Career Flexibility

Career Flexibility addresses the fact that careers in the 21st century economy often follow a cyclical rather than a linear progression. Out of necessity or personal choice, individuals may leave the workforce for a period of time, but will need and/or want to reenter the workforce at a later point in time. For example, some workers may leave the workforce at certain points in their careers to further their education. Others might leave in order to meet their family and caregiving responsibilities.

There are three critical components that make up career flexibility. The first is career exit - the point in time when an individual decides to leave the workforce. The second is career maintenance – the period of time spent out of the workforce by an individual. The third is career reentry – the point in time when an individual chooses to get back into the workforce.